DisplayLink Releases New Windows Drivers (Version 6.3)
Posted on 21. May, 2012 by bernie in Windows
DisplayLink’s 6.x series of Windows drivers is now a worthy upgrade for all users.
On May 18th, DisplayLink released their latest version 6.3 Windows drivers. This single driver supports all USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 generation DisplayLink-based products (including all USB graphics products from Plugable), on Windows XP SP2 and later, and Server 2008 and later.
We’re recommending this driver for all USB 3.0 generation products (Like our Plugable USB 3.0 to HDMI adapter). And it’s a good upgrade for USB 2.0 users, too.
The largest improvements for existing users of any DisplayLink-based device, including USB 2.0 ones, are:
1) Much better support in Windows Vista/7 Basic mode (Aero off). While this is a corner case, it’s a huge amount of work on DisplayLink’s part, and will save a lot of frustration for those intentionally or unintentionally dropped into Basic mode by Windows.
2) Better performance / resolution scalability on slower CPUs by avoiding an extra copy for every pixel (introduced earlier in 6.x series)
3) Bugs and other issues resolved
Here are the details from DisplayLink’s release notes, ordered by our perceived importance of the improvement (based on our support cases here at Plugable).
Fixed issues since R6.2 (from DisplayLink’s release notes)
On Windows 7/Vista WDDM Basic, video is not supported. It may work in some
cases but exhibits poor performance. It may stop working after an update from
Windows Update that affects the graphics subsystem. (2028,1609, 3883)
On Vista and Windows 7 in Basic Mode, video will not play on DisplayLink
screens after installation until the PC is rebooted. In Aero mode no reboot
is needed before video will play. (4432)
Occasionally on Windows 7, applying a layout change involving DisplayLink
screens can change the resolution of or turn off one or more screens. To
recover, press the Windows+P keys and select a different setting. (6010, 8741,
9768, 8618, 9956, 10739, 12300, 12715, 13166, 13167, 13226, 13296, 13334)
Some systems may not boot into Windows when DisplayLink device is connected.
(13657)
All screens are black after several layout changes on some machines. (13550)
On some systems all displays may be black or flashing when resuming from
display power save. (13582, 13471)
Sometimes changing mode or layout position of a DisplayLink monitor may fail
with a “Cannot write to specific device” message in the system tray. To recover
replug the device. (13517)
Optimized for Video option removed from Devices and Printers. (13746)
Sometimes all monitors can get blank if trying to mirror two DisplayLink
monitors connected to the system. (13355)
Sometimes enabling previously switched off main monitor may cause all displays
to flicker. (13149)
Sometimes a blue screen can occur when disconnecting DisplayLink device while
having another monitor connected to laptop’s main VGA/DVI port. (13256)
PowerDVD 12 crashes with DisplayLink software installed. (13668)
USBCV tests not passing (13879, 13896, 13878)
Repeated replugging of certain Display Monitors can cause indeterminate
behaviour. (13581)
Failure to detect some hot swapped DVI monitors. (13597)
Fullscreen Direct X Metro applications will be software rendered on DisplayLink
and non-DisplayLink screens
DisplayLink USB 3.0 generation (DL-3×000) fixes
Audio on DL3x00 devices is not automatically default when first connected to
Windows XP systems. (13511)
Occasional failure in resuming from sleep for DL3x00 devices. (13440)
Occasionally after installation the Ethernet driver for the DisplayLink device
will not load. Unplug and replug to recover. (12050)
Wrong audio jack information. (13496)
On some Windows XP systems connecting a network cable to a DisplayLink device
causes the address bar of Windows Explorer to start blinking. (12568)
In particular circumstances a DL3x00 device can drop from SuperSpeed to High
Speed USB. (13769)
USB 3 connection dropping to USB 2 during power state transitions with some
DL3x00 devices. (13769)
Sometimes a DisplayLink monitor connected through DisplayPort may flash after
a resolution change. (13342)
DisplayPort monitor may remain black after being connected to a DisplayLink
device. (13577)
HDMI audio stops playing after some time. (13307)
HDMI compliance timing fails at resolution 640 x 480@60. (13652)
On some systems using Renesas USB 3.0 host controller disconnecting the
DisplayLink device while playing video may cause system to hang for up to
2 minutes. System will automatically recover after that time. (13364)
Audio not available on DisplayPort monitors immediately after drivers
installation. (13580)
Ethernet on DL3x00 devices unreliable when connected to specific Gigabit
Ethernet switches. (13161)
Default volume on DL3x00 devices too high. (13608)
Ethernet connection dropping out under heavy load on 10Mb networks. (13688)
Supported Operating Systems
This release can be installed on the following operating systems:
– Windows XP SP2 (32-bit edition only)
– Windows XP SP3 (32-bit edition only)
– Windows Vista SP1 (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
– Windows Vista SP2 (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
– Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
– Windows 8 (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
– Windows Server 2008 (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
(This OS has received limited testing)
– Windows Server 2008 R2
(This OS has received limited testing)
Download and Support
Download the latest DisplayLink drivers here: http://displaylink.com/support/downloads.php
If you have any problem at all with any Plugable brand device and the DisplayLink 6.3 drivers, please let us know.
Comment here or email support@plugable.com anytime. We’re here to help!
Plugable’s New Tiny, Cutting-Edge USB 3.0 Graphics Adapter
Posted on 30. Apr, 2012 by bernie in Windows
The next generation of USB graphics adapters is here! We’re excited to announce that the Plugable USB 3.0 HDMI / DVI Graphics Adapter is launching today — simultaneously available and shipping to customers the USA, UK, and 26 additional EU countries (USA buyers order on Amazon.com, UK/EU buyers from Amazon.co.uk).
This new adapter is a big step forward in several ways:
- Among the first product to launch with the latest DisplayLink DL-3500 USB 3.0 / 2.0 chipset.
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0 lifts the lid on performance. Enables a max theoretical throughput of 5000 Mbps vs. 480 Mbps for USB 2.0.
- Features a completely re-engineered 6 layer PCB design that is *small*. About half the size of our smallest USB 2.0 generation adapters. The adapter fits nicely inline with the cable,its weight doesn’t create any pull when hanging mid-air, and it doesn’t clutter the desk. You’ll be shocked at what this little adapter can do.
- The adapter works with older USB 2.0 Windows systems (at USB 2.0 speeds), with no problems mixing and matching USB 2.0 and 3.0 adapters on the same system (using the same common DisplayLink driver).
- The USB 3.0 generation of products is Windows-only for now. On Windows, you get all the great multi-monitor functionality, without compromise — and now with better performance in higher resolutions and with video.
The Plugable USB 3.0 HDMI / DVI Graphics Adapter product page has a lot more information. But for a start, check out the following videos.
The video below shows unboxing the product and a little intro.
And this 2nd video shows a bit more depth — plugging the adapter in, installing drivers, and tips for using the product.
We’re very excited about the potential of this great new product. Feel free to comment with any questions!
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Plugable USB 3.0 to HDMI / DVI Adapter for Multiple Monitors up to 2048×1152 / 1920×1200 Each (DisplayLink DL-3500 Chipset) | Product Details | $69.99 |  |
Plugable USB 2.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station Now $79
Posted on 29. Mar, 2012 by bernie in UD-160-A
Our Plugable USB 2.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station adds an extra monitor, speakers, microphone, 10/100 Ethernet interface, and 4 AC powered USB ports to any brand of PC. All with a simple USB 2.0 cable back to the PC or laptop. All this functionality is delivered in a fully integrated, elegant “sail” case.
The most common use is for single-cable docking of a laptop to all the USB peripherals on your desk (quick and easy to come and go). But it’s also useful as an all-USB KVM solution in combination with a USB switch like this, or as a powered, daisy-chainable USB thin client in combination with Windows Multipoint Server 2011, Userful Linux 2011, or coming versions of open source Linux.
And now, because of increased production volume, we’re able to drop the price. Previously $89.95, the Plugable UD-160-A is now just $79. Just check out the product reviews on Amazon if you’re curious about what other people are using it for, and their experiences. And feel free to comment if you have any questions. We’re here to help!
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Plugable USB 2.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station with DisplayLink DVI/VGA up to 1920×1080, Audio, Ethernet, and 4 Available High-Speed USB 2.0 Ports | Product Details | $79.00 | |
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